Buying a Home on a Private Road in East Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before You BuyBy John S. Wagner, Affiliate Broker/Realtor®Weichert, Realtors® - Saxon ClarkServing Kingsport, Johnson
🏡 Understanding Closing Costs
Dated: May 26 2025
Views: 60
🏡 Understanding Closing Costs
What Every Homebuyer in Kingsport, TN (and the Tri-Cities) Should Know
💰 What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay when finalizing a home purchase — on top of your down payment.
They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price.
📌 Example: On a $250,000 home, closing costs may total $5,000–$12,500.
📦 What's Included in Closing Costs?
Here’s a breakdown of common items:
🏦 Lender Fees
Loan origination fee
Credit report fee
Discount points (if buying down your rate)
📝 Third-Party Fees
Appraisal
Home inspection
Survey (if needed)
Title search & title insurance
Attorney fees (if applicable)
🏠 Prepaid Items
Property taxes (prorated)
Homeowners insurance (first year)
Mortgage interest (covering days before first full payment)
Escrow setup (for taxes/insurance)
🏛️ Government Fees
Recording fees
Transfer taxes (varies by county)
💡 In Tennessee, sellers often pay title insurance and a portion of closing costs, but it’s negotiable.
🧾 Who Pays What?
| Cost | Buyer Pays | Seller Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Appraisal | ✅ | |
| Title insurance | ✅ (usually in TN) | |
| Recording fees | ✅ | |
| Property tax (partial) | ✅ | ✅ (if prorated) |
| Commission (agent fees) | ✅ |
🎯 In competitive markets, buyers may cover more closing costs to strengthen their offer.
🧮 Can You Lower Your Closing Costs?
Yes! Here's how:
Shop lenders – Fees vary widely
Ask the seller to pay part of the costs (especially if you're offering full price)
Look into first-time buyer programs that offer closing cost assistance (like THDA in Tennessee)
Ask your lender about lender credits in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate
✅ Pro Tip: Budget Smart
🔑 Don’t just save for your down payment — also set aside 3–5% for closing.
A great lender and real estate agent will give you an estimate before you make an offer so you're never caught off guard.
💬 Ready to Buy?
We’ll walk you through your budget and break down your closing costs before you ever write a contract.
📲 Message Weichert, Realtors® – Saxon Clark today and get local expertise from agents who know Kingsport inside and out.
John Wagner
John is a dedicated real estate professional serving the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee.John was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Sullivan Central High School. Although....
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